Lainey Wilson Sings a Medley of Iconic Country Songs | Live at CMA Awards 2025
The 2025 CMA Awards delivered many unforgettable performances, but one moment towered above the rest — a dazzling, heart-pounding medley by country music superstar Lainey Wilson, who proved once again that she is not merely a rising star, but one of the defining voices of modern country music. Her tribute to the genre’s most iconic songs brought the crowd to its feet, united generations of fans, and became the emotional centerpiece of the entire night.
As the stage lights dimmed, the audience’s anticipation buzzed through Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. A gentle hum of steel guitar filled the air before the spotlight snapped to life, illuminating Lainey in her signature bell bottoms, wide-brimmed hat, and undeniable confidence. Her silhouette alone triggered cheers from the thousands in attendance.
Then came the opening chords — familiar, timeless — and Lainey launched into the first verse of “Stand By Your Man.” Her voice, rich and full with a hint of Louisiana grit, carried Tammy Wynette’s classic with stunning emotional depth. You could hear a pin drop as she honored the women who paved the way.
But she wasn’t done.
Without missing a beat, Lainey seamlessly transitioned into “Mama Tried,” her band roaring behind her as she channeled the spirit of Merle Haggard. Her energy shifted, brightening the room, and the audience erupted in applause. It was a masterclass in storytelling, not just singing.
Then came the moment that sent the arena into a frenzy: Lainey strummed the first chords of “Friends in Low Places.” The crowd exploded — singing, shouting, laughing — turning the CMA Awards into the world’s biggest country bar for thirty glorious seconds. Lainey moved across the stage with command and charisma, her voice blending effortlessly with the audience’s roaring chorus.
But the performance took an emotional turn when she slowed the pace and stepped into the soft glow of a single spotlight to deliver “I Will Always Love You.” Her rendition wasn’t an attempt to mimic Dolly Parton — it was pure Lainey, gentle and vulnerable, offering the classic with the reverence it deserves. Many in the audience stood silently, some wiping tears.
As the medley continued, she revived classics like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “On the Road Again,” and “Jolene” — each delivered with passion, precision, and unmistakable authenticity. The arrangement showcased her versatility, moving from smoky blues to bright outlaw twang with ease. It was a celebration of the music she grew up on, the legends she admires, and the genre she is helping lead into the future.
By the time she brought the medley home with a powerhouse finale of “Fancy,” the arena was on its feet. The applause thundered so loudly it drowned out the final note, and Lainey Wilson stood center stage, catching her breath, humbled by the overwhelming response.
Critics immediately hailed the performance as one of the best in CMA history, praising Lainey’s ability to honor the past while bringing fresh fire to every song she touched. Fellow artists backstage echoed the sentiment, some calling her “the future of country” and others saying the performance felt like “a passing of the torch moment.”
In a night filled with stars, Lainey Wilson reminded everyone why she belongs at the very top — not just as a singer, but as a steward of country music’s past, present, and future.